Local zoning · Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove — Zoning

Zoning under the Pacific Grove local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (PGMC) says about zoning: the established districts, how the zoning map is adopted and amended, typical permitted uses by district, and where to find numeric development standards and review requirements. It stays strictly within the local zoning/planning ordinance (Title 23 of the PGMC as adopted in the provided materials) and points to the controlling code sections for every rule cited. For development standards, parking, and design review requirements see the linked city pages referenced below and the cited PGMC sections. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretations.

How the ordinance organizes zoning

  • The ordinance lists the zoning districts (for example R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-D, C-V, I, O, U and several combining districts) and adopts an official zoning map that controls boundary locations. § 23.12.010 and § 23.12.020 establish the district list and adopt the map.

  • Numeric development controls (setbacks, height, lot area, coverage, parking) are found across the district chapters and tables (see the district sections below and Table 23.31.030 for commercial/industrial uses). If a standard is not centralized the code directs the reader to the applicable district chapter, the Local Coastal Program (where applicable), or the use permit for site‑specific conditions. See PGMC § 23.31.025(c) and related district chapters.

  • Procedural rules for permits, review authorities, and findings are in the community development permit chapters (e.g., PGMC § 23.70 and § 23.72). Design/architectural approval is separately required in some districts as noted below.

(First mentions of related city topic pages: development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, historic preservation, nonconforming uses, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code are linked inline where they are first discussed.)

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the city's named districts from PGMC § 23.12.010; each subsection summarizes the district purpose, typical permitted uses, key numerical standards found in the code, and where that district applies or how boundaries are set.

R-1 (Single‑family residential)

  • Purpose: Intended for single‑family homes and accessory uses. § 23.16.010 / § 23.16.020.
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings, accessory buildings/uses, and second units as allowed in Chapter 23.80 (ADUs). § 23.16.020 and § 23.80.010.
  • Key dimensional standards (where stated): exceptions and combined districts list minimum building site area and setbacks — e.g., for certain R‑1 combined districts a minimum lot area per dwelling may be 10,000 sq ft (exception), front setback 20 ft, rear yard 20% of lot depth with minimum 20 ft and maximum 25 ft, and two covered parking spaces per dwelling where listed as an exception; these requirements appear in the R‑1 combined district exceptions. § 23.16.110 and related subsections. (Verify for your parcel.)

R-2 (Restricted duplex residential)

  • Purpose: Allows duplexes and other uses permitted in R-1 with additional density where a use permit applies. § 23.20.020.
  • Typical permitted uses: All R-1 uses plus duplexes and limited detached dwelling groups (with use permit). § 23.20.020.
  • Key numeric: Maximum building height: 30 ft (top plate limit 24 ft for plate) unless otherwise provided. § 23.20.030.

R-3 and R-4 (Multiple‑family residential)

  • Purpose: Higher density residential districts; rules (uses, density) are in the R‑3/R‑4 chapters and special subdistricts (e.g., R-3‑M for motels/hotels). § 23.12.010, Chapter 23.52 for R‑3‑M.
  • Typical permitted uses: Multifamily residences and accessory uses; R‑3‑M restricts motel/hotel uses to that district and lists land‑area/unit standards. § 23.52.020–.030.
  • Key numeric: R‑3‑M minimum 2,500 sq ft per family unit or motel/hotel unit (with a 2,000 sq ft floor‑area floor as an absolute minimum in some cases). § 23.52.030.

C-1 (Light commercial)

  • Purpose: Neighborhood‑scale retail, services, offices, and residential uses. § 23.31.020(a).
  • Typical permitted uses: Retail, services, small offices, and residential uses per Table 23.31.030 (see permit matrix). Table 23.31.030 and related note.
  • Key numeric: Commercial district standards (setbacks, coverage, stepbacks, etc.) are in the C‑district chapter and in Table 23.31.030; special ground‑floor frontage and stepback rules apply along commercial thoroughfares (e.g., Central, Lighthouse, Forest Avenues). See PGMC § 23.31.050 and Table 23.31.030. (Verify parcel specifics.)

C-1‑T (Light commercial and hotel — downtown block)

  • Purpose: Downtown block where hotel use and other C‑1 uses are specifically permitted by initiative; amendment of this district is restricted to voter action. § 23.31.020(b).
  • Typical permitted uses: All C‑1 uses and hotels (subject to motel/hotel regulations in Chapter 23.52 and local initiative provisions). § 23.31.020(b).
  • Key numeric/process note: No provision of the C‑1‑T district may be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people — this is a legal constraint affecting rezoning/amendment. § 23.31.020(b)(3).

C‑D (Downtown Commercial)

  • Purpose: Retail, restaurants, services, entertainment, and upper‑floor residential to support the historic commercial core. § 23.31.020(c).
  • Typical permitted uses: Variety of retail and hospitality uses; permit categories appear in Table 23.31.030 (see code).
  • Key numeric: Downtown frontage and design rules (including sign rules) have district‑specific provisions; see PGMC Chapter 20.05 for C‑D signage and PGMC § 23.31.050 for front‐of‑street standards.

C‑FH (Forest Hill Commercial)

  • Purpose: Serves as a gateway/entrance to the city with commercial, service, and compatible residential uses. § 23.31.020(d).
  • Typical permitted uses: Retail, services, smaller commercial uses with some residential allowed; see permit matrix Table 23.31.030.

C‑2 (Heavy Commercial)

  • Purpose: Sites appropriate for limited residential, service commercial, and light manufacturing uses that may include outdoor storage/activity. § 23.31.020(e).
  • Typical permitted uses: Broader commercial/service and limited industrial uses; consult Table 23.31.030 for specific use permit requirements.

C‑V (Visitor Commercial) and C‑V‑ATC (American Tin Cannery)

  • Purpose: Visitor‑oriented retail, services, and institutional uses oriented to tourism; C‑V‑ATC is a site‑specific district for the American Tin Cannery site. § 23.31.020(f) and § 23.31.025.
  • Typical permitted uses: Hotels and accessory uses at the ATC site are permitted subject to a use permit; all C‑V uses and additional uses allowed by amendment may apply. § 23.31.025(b).
  • Key numeric/process note: For ATC, development standards (FAR, density, setbacks, height) are governed by the city's Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, or if absent, by the use permit standards. § 23.31.025(c).

I (Restricted Industrial)

  • Purpose: Limited commercial, service commercial and light manufacturing with potential outdoor storage. § 23.31.020(g).
  • Typical permitted uses and review: See Table 23.31.030 for which industrial/service uses are permitted or require use permits.

O (Open Space)

  • Purpose and uses: Open space, parks, civic buildings and similar public uses; in some cases a use permit is required. § 23.44.020 (U district also referenced for public parks).

U (Unclassified) and combining districts B, H, etc.

  • Purpose: The U district is for unclassified/newly annexed areas pending final zoning (public uses allowed subject to use permit), while B/H are combining districts described in PGMC § 23.12.010. § 23.44.010–.020 and § 23.12.010.

Quick decision table (common, decision‑relevant items)

District Typical primary uses (decision view) Key numerical standard or process Code Reference
R‑1 Single‑family dwellings; accessory structures; ADUs allowed under Chapter 23.80 Exceptions list includes min lot area 10,000 sf (in some R‑1‑B combined districts), front setback 20 ft, rear 20% (min 20 ft / max 25 ft); two covered spaces noted § 23.16.020, § 23.16.110
R‑2 Duplexes and R‑1 uses Max building height 30 ft (top plate 24 ft) § 23.20.020, § 23.20.030
C‑1 / C‑D / C‑FH Retail, services, offices, some residential (downtown: restaurants, upper‑floor housing) Commercial use matrix and front‑of‑street frontage/stepback rules in Table 23.31.030 and district text (special frontage rules along Central/Lighthouse/Forest) Table 23.31.030, § 23.31.050
C‑V‑ATC Site‑specific: Hotels and accessory uses allowed with use permit Development standards governed by Local Coastal Program LUP or the applicable use permit; hotels require a use permit § 23.31.025(b)–(c)
R‑3‑M Motels/hotels and R‑3 uses (restricted to the R‑3‑M district) Min land per unit 2,500 sf (with a 2,000 sf lower limit in some cases) § 23.52.020–.030

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before development can proceed)

  • Confirm the zoning designation on the adopted Zoning Map (Zoning Map is adopted by reference; copies filed in Community Development office). § 23.12.020.
  • Confirm permitted uses and permit category (P, AUP, UP) in the relevant district chapter and Table 23.31.030 for commercial/industrial uses. § 23.31.030.
  • Identify applicable numeric standards (height, setbacks, lot area, coverage) in the district chapter (e.g., Chapters 23.16, 23.20, 23.31) and any Local Coastal Program requirements that prevail in coastal parts of the city. §§ 23.16–23.31; 23.90.010.
  • Determine whether design/architectural approval or Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) review is required (see architectural approval / design review rules). § 23.73 and § 23.70.050.
  • Check sign rules (district‑specific) and whether a sign permit or architectural board review is required. Chapter 20 references in district chapters (e.g., C‑D signage rules).
  • Verify parking requirements (local parking standards may be in PGMC § 23.64.190) and special parking rules for ADUs. § 23.64.190, and ADU rules in Chapter 23.80. See the city parking page for practical steps.
  • If proposing an ADU, follow the ADU chapter standards (Chapter 23.80) which implement state ADU law. § 23.80.010–.020.
  • Prepare for findings and public hearing requirements applicable to use permits, administrative permits, and appeals. § 23.70, § 23.86, § 23.74.

(Helpful city pages: development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, historic preservation, nonconforming uses, ADUs and the California Building Standards Code are linked inline above.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Adopted Zoning Map dated 1987 The code adopts a 1987 map by reference and subsequent rezones are added by ordinance; a paper map date can create confusion on recent rezones. § 23.12.020. Confirm current, updated zoning map copy at the Community Development office and request any rezoning ordinances recorded after the adopted map.
C‑1‑T amendment restriction The downtown C‑1‑T district includes initiative language that prohibits amendment except by voter action — this can block council changes. § 23.31.020(b)(3). If project sits inside the C‑1‑T block (Lighthouse/Grand/Central/Fountain), verify whether the initiative restriction affects your proposal.
LCP vs. municipal numeric standards Some site standards in coastal sites (e.g., C‑V‑ATC) defer to the Local Coastal Program LUP or to the use permit. § 23.31.025(c). If your parcel is coastal, get applicable LUP standards and check whether the LUP supersedes district numeric standards.
Missing centralized numeric table for some districts Standards are dispersed (district chapters, tables, LCP); this raises chance of overlooking an applicable rule. Compile all applicable PGMC district sections (e.g., 23.16, 23.20, 23.31) and check cross‑references (signage: Chapter 20, parking: 23.64, nonconforming: 23.68). Verify with staff.
Parcel‑specific exceptions & prior ordinances Combined districts and earlier local initiative provisions create site‑specific exceptions (e.g., R‑1‑B‑4 rules). § 23.16.110. Check the property’s ordinance history (rezone ordinances in the Table of Ordinances) and the zoning map parcel record.

Plain‑English Summary

Pacific Grove's zoning code names a set of residential, commercial, industrial, open‑space, and combining districts (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, C‑1, C‑D, C‑V, I) and ties each parcel to the adopted zoning map; the district chapters list permitted uses and the permit category, while numeric standards (height, setbacks, lot area, coverage) are located in the district chapters, tables, and sometimes the Local Coastal Program — always verify the parcel’s current zone and any overlay or initiative restrictions before you design a project. § 23.12.010–.020, Chapters 23.16, 23.20, 23.31, 23.80.

Source References

  • PGMC § 23.12.010 (Districts listed).
  • PGMC § 23.12.020 (Zoning Map adopted by reference).
  • PGMC Chapter 23.16 (R‑1 district and combined districts) — uses and exceptions. § 23.16.010–.110.
  • PGMC Chapter 23.20 (R‑2 district) — uses and height limit § 23.20.020–.030.
  • PGMC Chapter 23.31 (Commercial/industrial districts) including § 23.31.020 (C‑districts) and § 23.31.025 (C‑V‑ATC).
  • Table 23.31.030 (Commercial/Industrial uses and permit requirements).
  • PGMC Chapter 23.52 (R‑3‑M district — motels/hotels).
  • PGMC Chapter 23.80 (Accessory Dwelling Units — ADUs). § 23.80.010–.020.
  • PGMC § 23.70 and § 23.72 (Community development permit authorities, findings, and processing; SPRC).
  • PGMC Chapters referenced for signage, parking, and nonconforming uses as applicable (e.g., signage chapter citations shown in the district text and Chapter 20 and Chapter 23.64 for parking/landscaping cross‑references).

Information Gaps

  • Where the code text presented in the retrieved materials lists district rules but omits a clear, city‑wide numeric table for every district (some numeric values are in exceptions or notes), the exact setback/coverage/FAR for many commercial locations may require consulting the complete district chapter text or the Local Coastal Program. Verify with the Community Development Department.
  • The official current zoning map may have been amended since the 1987 adopted map reference; the online or office copy should be requested. § 23.12.020.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (chapter to) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 11-121) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Pacific Grove?

In R‑1 you may build a single‑family dwelling, accessory buildings, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) following Chapter 23.80; some combined R‑1 subdistricts add minimum lot area and setback exceptions — check § 23.16.020 and § 23.16.110 and verify the parcel’s combined district status.

What are Pacific Grove setback requirements for single‑family homes?

Setbacks are located in the R‑1 chapter and in combined‑district exceptions; for example certain R‑1 combined districts list a front setback of 20 ft and rear yard 20% of lot depth (min 20 ft / max 25 ft) — consult § 23.16.110 for those exceptions and verify parcel‑specific standards.

Do I need design review in Pacific Grove?

Yes in many cases: architectural approval and design review are required for projects specified by the district chapters (referenced architectural approval appears in district text and Chapter 23.73); the Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) reviews multifamily, commercial and industrial projects per § 23.70.050. Check the specific district and whether the property is on the Historic Resources Inventory.

Where is the official zoning map and how current is it?

The zoning map titled “Zoning Map, City of Pacific Grove, California” (adopted January 1987) is adopted by reference and is filed in the Community Development Director’s office; amendments are made by ordinance and recorded in the city’s Table of Ordinances — confirm the current map copy at the city office. § 23.12.020.

Can I put a hotel on a C‑V‑ATC site?

The C‑V‑ATC district specifically allows hotels and accessory uses at the American Tin Cannery site, but hotels are permitted only subject to first securing a use permit; development standards may be governed by the Local Coastal Program LUP or by the use permit. § 23.31.025(b)–(c).

Are there special downtown rules (C‑D or C‑1‑T)?

Yes — C‑D is intended for downtown retail, restaurants and upper‑floor housing, with specific frontage and signage rules; C‑1‑T is a downtown block where a citizen initiative permits hotel use and restricts amendments to voter action. See § 23.31.020(c) and § 23.31.020(b)(3).

What does “unclassified” (U) zoning mean for newly annexed land?

The U district allows public parks, playgrounds, schools and civic uses (typically by use permit) pending precise zoning; property in U remains until rezoned by ordinance or in certain cases until voter action if so restricted. § 23.44.020–.040.

How are nonconforming uses and structures handled?

The code treats lawful existing uses established before ordinance changes as nonconforming and establishes Chapter 23.68 for nonconforming uses/buildings; confirm whether a proposed change will trigger nonconforming‑use rules. Chapter 23.68 (referenced in permit chapters).

If my lot is in the coastal zone which rules apply?

Coastal‑zone projects may be governed by the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP), which can prevail over some district rules (the code references LUP standards in the C‑V‑ATC section, for example). Check PGMC § 23.90.010 and applicable LUP provisions.

Where do I find parking and landscaping requirements?

Local parking and landscaping standards are cross‑referenced in district chapters and are codified in PGMC Chapter 23.64 (see § 23.64.190 for parking and § 23.64.195 for landscaping references in the district tables). For practical application consult the city’s parking guidance page and § 23.64. ---

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